“If I read the bible and believe the bible and act on His commandments, why do I need to hear God?”

That is where we left off yesterday. As I said, that is a fair question. Without going into specifics, and assuming that if you ask this in all honesty, what makes you think you don’t?

How did you come to want to read the bible? How often do you read your bible? If you say you read your bible, is there purpose behind your reading? Do you get something out of it? Do you come away comforted, at peace, or with a lighter heart?

You say you believe the bible. Did you examine and reflect on the words or just accept them on face value? Can you answer anyone who challenges you on your belief? Do you have a witness which is based on the bible? When someone misquotes the bible, do you know it?

You act on His commandments? Which ones? Do you pick and choose what to obey or do you give an honest effort to be gentle, kind, and gracious? An honest effort doesn’t mean 100% compliance, just an earnest effort. Do you give Him glory? Do you have a heart of thanksgiving?

My answer is that you cannot do any of that without hearing God. You cannot even say “I believe” without hearing God. No one has a desire to read the bible except God put it there. No one can step out in faith without God being at their side.

You hear God with your heart and not your ears.

If you want to hear God with your ears, then get away from away from the noise and distractions. Sit yourself down and quiet your mind. Remember it is still His will.

“Be still and know that I am God.”

Psalm 119:6 Then shall I not be ashamed, when I have respect unto all thy commandments.

When you do not respect the Word of God you will not find relief in it. People do what makes them feel good and if you disrespect the Word all that is meant for your good as a blessing is withheld. Instinctively we know we have not respected the Word because we carry our shame.

Disrespect allows for the alternative thought to enter in, “ye shall not surely die”, right Eve? That is the obvious but the enemy is much more subtle than that these days. “You misread it.” “You haven’t taken everything into account.” “It is too complicated for you to understand by yourself.” “That can be interpreted so many ways.”

Getting back on topic of why we do not hear God, let me offer another excuse.

Matthew 4:24b those which were possessed with devils, and those which were lunatic, …

We are afraid of hearing voices lest some might think us insane. Granted that the actions of some have only increased that fear because of the evil they have done “at God’s instruction”. No one said you have to publicly admit you have heard voices. All we ask is that you confirm with trusted advisors that what you have heard truly is the Lord. “Prophesy is of no private interpretation.” God will speak to others if it is the Lord.

That is just some of the reasons we do not hear God. There is one reasonable question left that I have not asked or answered. Here it is.

“If I read the bible and believe the bible and act on His commandments, why do I need to hear God?”

Fair question, I will endeavor to answer that tomorrow.